Wireless Coverage; Factors Limiting Wireless Coverage - Colubris Networks CN3000 Administrator's Manual

Chapter 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - How it works - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Chapter 2

Wireless coverage

As a starting point for planning your setup, you can assume that the radio in the CN3000
provides a wireless networking area, also called a wireless cell, of up to 300 feet (100
meters) in diameter at high power. However, before creating a permanent installation,
you should always perform a live test to determine the optimum settings and location for
the CN3000.
Factors limiting Wireless coverage is affected by the following factors.
wireless
Radio power
coverage
More radio power means better signal quality and the ability to create bigger wireless
cells. However, cell size should generally not exceed the range of transmission
supported by client stations. If it does, client stations will be able to receive signals from
the access point, but they will not be able to reply, rendering the connection useless.
Note: Governmental regulations in different parts of the world determine the maximum
power output of the CN3000's radio.
Antenna configuration
Antennas play a large role in determining shape of the wireless cell and transmission
distance. The CN3000 provides connectors for two external antennas. Consult the
specifications for the antennas you are using to determine how they affect wireless
coverage.
Interference
Interference is caused by other access points or devices that operate in the same
frequency band as the CN3000. This can substantially affect throughput. The CN3000
provides several tools to diagnose interference problems:
• Wireless neighborhood: This feature, available on the Wireless > Neighborhood
• Wireless status: This feature, available on the Status > Wireless page, provides
Important: Access points operating in the 2.4 Ghz band may experience interference
from 2.4 Ghz cordless phones and microwave ovens.
Physical characteristics of the location
To maximize coverage of the wireless cell, wireless access points are best installed in
an open area with as few obstructions as possible. Try to choose a location that is
central to the area being served.
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page, provides detailed information on all wireless access points operating in the
immediate area, so you can effectively set your operating frequency. Also makes it
easy to find rogue access points.
detailed information on packets sent and received, transmission errors, and other low-
level events. Consult the online help for this page for recommendations on using this
information to diagnose wireless problems.